A witchy broom accessory is an iconic symbol associated with witches and their magical abilities. In folklore and popular culture, witches are often depicted riding brooms through the night sky. While brooms were traditionally used for cleaning, they have become a popular accessory for witches to enhance their mystical persona. The concept of witches riding brooms dates back to medieval times, when it was believed that witches would rub a special ointment on their bodies. This ointment, made from plants such as mandrake or deadly nightshade, would cause them to have hallucinations and feel as if they were flying. In order to simulate this experience, witches would mount brooms and imagine soaring through the air.
Evidence admitted in such trials was of five types. First, the accused might be asked to pass a test, like reciting the Lord's Prayer. This seems simple enough. But the young girls who attended the trial were known to scream and writhe on the floor in the middle of the test. It is easy to understand why some could not pass.
But because fall is coming though it doesn t feel like it yet , I thought I would put together a list of must read books on Salem or Salem adjacent, really. She includes a long list of historical inaccuracies in the play, but also mentions inaccuracies that Miller was aware of and took poetic license with.
In order to simulate this experience, witches would mount brooms and imagine soaring through the air. In modern times, the witchy broom accessory has become a staple for Halloween costumes and witch-themed events. These brooms are often made from natural materials such as twigs or branches, and are decorated with ribbons, feathers, and other magical trinkets.
16 Books on the Salem Witch Trials to Kick Off Your Spooky Fall
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Holly Genovese
Staff WriterHolly Genovese is a Ph.D student in American Studies at the University of Texas at Austin. She is also completing graduate portfolio programs in African and African Diaspora studies, as well as Women's and Gender Studies. Her writing has been published in Teen Vogue, The Washington Post, Electric Literature, The La Review of Books, Literary Hub, Hello Giggles, and many other places.
I visited Salem for the first time a few weeks ago, and I still haven’t processed the experience. I have been obsessed with going to Salem for what feels like my whole life. I’m very interested in the history of Puritans and the trials, but equally fascinated by the town’s current obsession with witchcraft, which manifests in everything from cool witch shops to hokey tourist traps. But because fall is coming (though it doesn’t feel like it yet), I thought I would put together a list of must read books on Salem (or Salem adjacent, really). This is by no means exhaustive (not sure if that is even possible), so please comment with your own suggestions!
Fiction
- The Crucible. I figured I would get this classic out of the way. Though I think Miller’s representation of the Witch Trials is overly relied on (it is an allegory for the McCarthy Trials! They aren’t the same thing!) it’s an important and good read.
Nonfiction
- The Witches: Suspicion, Betrayal and Hysteria in 1692 Salem by Stacy Schiff. While not as academically rigorous as some non-fiction on the trials, Schiff’s book is an engaging account of the events and a great starting place for those with little familiarity with the history of Salem.
- A Storm of Witchcraft: The Salem Witch Trials and the American Experience by Emerson Baker. In A Storm of Witchcraft, historian Emerson Baker argues that the perfect “storm” of events enable the Salem Witch Trials, and places the trials in the context of the broader Atlantic world.
- The Salem Witch Trials Reader. This reader features primary source documents from the time of the trials and is a great resource.
- The Witchcraft of Salem Village by Shirley Jackson. Definitely written for children, The Witchcraft of Salem Village is a brief accounting of the trials, worth picking up if you are a fan of Jackson.
- The Specter of Salem: Remembering the Salem Witch Trials in Nineteenth Century Americaby Gretchen Adams. In The Specter of Salem, Adams focuses on the ways in which the Salem Witch Trails were enshrined in the collective memory of Americans. A fascinating read, especially taken in the context of the continued tourism and fascination with Salem.
- The Salem Witch Trials: A Day by Day Chronicle of a Community under Siege by Marilynne Roach. I’ve never read a book quite like this, as it’s really a very detailed timeline of the Salem Witch Trials. If you want a very concrete idea of the events, than you can do no better then this very thorough read.
- The Oxford Encyclopedia of Witchcraft and Magic edited by Owen Davies. This edited collection focuses on much more than Salem, but gives greater context to the witch trials in America and their memory in America.
- Salem Possessed: The Social Origins of Witchcraft by Paul Boyer and Stephen Nissenbaum. In Salem Possessed, historians Boyer and Nissenbaum explore the social history of Salem and the lives of those that made the witch trials possible.
Holly Genovese is a Ph.D student in American Studies at the University of Texas at Austin. She is also completing graduate portfolio programs in African and African Diaspora studies, as well as Women's and Gender Studies. Her writing has been published in Teen Vogue, The Washington Post, Electric Literature, The La Review of Books, Literary Hub, Hello Giggles, and many other places.
Some brooms even have sparkles or LED lights to add an extra enchanting touch. Beyond their decorative appeal, witchy brooms can also serve practical purposes. For example, they can be used as a prop during spellcasting rituals or as a way to cleanse and purify a space. Whether it's for theatrical purposes or spiritual practices, the broom accessory has become a popular symbol associated with witchcraft. In conclusion, the witchy broom accessory is a cultural symbol that represents the mystique and magic of witches. While its origins can be traced back to ancient folklore, it continues to be a popular accessory for witches in modern times. Whether used for costumes, rituals, or personal expression, the broom is an iconic element in the world of witchcraft..
Reviews for "Witchy Broom Accessories as Feng Shui Elements: Balancing Energy"
1. Sarah - 2/5: I was really disappointed with the Witchy broom accessory. The quality was poor and it looked nothing like the pictures. The broom was flimsy and the bristles constantly fell out, making it impossible to use as a Halloween decoration. I tried to contact customer service for a refund, but they were unresponsive. I would not recommend this product to anyone.
2. John - 1/5: The Witchy broom accessory was a complete waste of money. It arrived late and was already broken when I opened the package. The handle was crooked and the bristles were tangled and uneven. It looked like someone had just thrown it together without any care. It wasn't even worth the effort of trying to fix it. I was extremely disappointed with this purchase and will definitely be looking elsewhere for Halloween decorations in the future.
3. Emily - 3/5: While the Witchy broom accessory was not terrible, it definitely did not meet my expectations. The broom looked much smaller in person and the bristles were not as fluffy as they appeared in the photos. Additionally, the colors were a bit dull and not as vibrant as I had hoped. It served its purpose for a basic Halloween prop, but I was hoping for something more visually appealing. Overall, it was just okay and I wouldn't necessarily recommend it unless you're in a bind and need a quick broom for a costume.